Noise Levels and Signals Observed on Submarine Fibers in the Canary Islands Using DAS

Abstract In this study, we investigate 70 days of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) recordings in the Canary Islands using an undersea fiber-optic telecommunication cable that links islands Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Two DAS interrogators connected to both ends turned fiber into array 11,968 strain sensors covering a total length ∼120 km. We present details experiment, noise analysis, examples recorded signals. Seismic ambient levels assessment indicates poor local coupling due irregular bathymetry results high-amplitude oscillations some channels. The several types nonseismic (vehicles, surface gravity waves, ships) seismic Local regional earthquakes were detected with magnitudes mbLg≥2. Surface waves from teleseismic events at distance ∼3000 km also identified recordings. Here, report first observations hydroacoustic T generated by oceanic located Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge Cape St. Vincent region. Events had Mw 4.2 6.9, epicentral distances 780 3400 Our findings show submarine cables can effectively be used assess activity remote areas.